Polluted Runoff: Nonpoint Source Pollution

319 Grant: Current Guidance

Clean Water Act Section 319(h) funds are provided only to designated state and tribal agencies to implement their approved nonpoint source management programs. State and tribal nonpoint source programs include a variety of components, including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects, and regulatory programs. Each year, EPA awards Section 319(h) funds to states in accordance with a state-by-state allocation formula that EPA has developed in consultation with the states.

Section 319(h) funding decisions are made by the states. States submit their proposed funding plans to EPA. If a state’s funding plan is consistent with grant eligibility requirements and procedures, EPA then awards the funds to the state.

This 2012 guidance is an update to guidance issued by EPA in 1997. The guidance contains a description of the key components that characterize and effective state nonpoint source (NPS) management program.

This May 9, 2013 memorandum issues guidance on grants streamlining specific to the national Clean Water Act section 319 Nonpoint Source program and provides national program expectations regarding the rate of expenditure of funds by the states.

This manual provides an overview of federal grant requirements that will guide state and territory nonpoint source agency staff when applying for and administering grants awarded under the Clean Water Act Section 319.

This document describes the purpose of Section 319 final reports, the information that should be included in the report, examples of especially effective elements from 319 reports, and ways to expand the final report to be used for outreach and education, building partnerships, and many other uses.